Carissa Moore to Make Strong Comeback to World Surfing Tour

Olympic gold medallist Carissa Moore confirmed she will rejoin the world surfing tour in 2026 after welcoming her first child earlier this year. The announcement came from the World Surf League on Thursday. Moore, a five-time world champion, last competed at the Paris Olympics, where she reached the quarter-finals while two months pregnant.

“To put my jersey back on after having a baby feels like such a win,” said Moore, who hails from Hawaii. She expressed a desire for her journey to inspire her daughter and other women, stating, “We can do anything; we can keep chasing our dreams, even as life evolves.”

Moore made history by winning surfing’s first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. With the 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, her return to the competitive circuit adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming events. Moore is recognized as one of the most consistent performers in the sport, having finished outside the top three only once in her remarkable 13-season career from 2010 to 2023.

At just 18 years old, she became the youngest surfer to earn a world title in 2011. Although her record was surpassed last year by Californian teenager Caitlin Simmers, Moore remains a significant figure in the sport. She faces formidable competition upon her return, including Molly Picklum, the 2025 world champion from Australia, and Tya Zebrowski, a promising 14-year-old talent from France.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to compete again on the championship tour,” Moore added. “Competing at the highest level of surfing is something I don’t take for granted, and I’m so grateful to be feeling healthy and reinvigorated.”

As the surfing community anticipates her comeback, Moore’s return underscores not only her personal journey but also the evolving landscape of women’s sports, where athletes balance family life and professional aspirations. Her story may inspire a new generation of surfers to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.